FAST Manager (Finance Accelerating Savings group Transformation) – VisionFund Zambia Limited

VisionFund Zambia Limited is part of a network of microfinance institutions within the VisionFund International network. We empower low-income entrepreneurs with access to integrated financial services that unlock their potential. We are part of World Vision, the largest global Christian humanitarian organization. In order to support our growth aspirations, we seek to recruit a qualified candidate who is self-motivated and results-oriented to fill the following position:

FAST Manager (Finance Accelerating Savings group Transformation)

Reporting to: Chief Operations Officer

Location: Head Office – Lusaka

The SG PM will be a new role in the MFI. The purpose is to support branches in scaling up the Savings Group Loan or as called by VisionFund the FAST product. The scale up is focused on the loan, but can include other products such as insurance and savings to the savings group and will be reporting to Chief Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Developing roll out plan which includes, location, staffing plan, required budget and projections
2. Train WV staff, including HQ and AP on the product
3. Train VF branch staff on the product and procedures
4. Monitor FO and BM performance on a regular basis
5. Liaise with IT to set up necessary channels including the functioning of ODK/LMMS and mobile money where possible
6. Oversee/implement the recruitment/hiring/onboarding of field officers together with People and Culture department
7. Continuously coach and train FOs
8. Continuously train BMs for effective monitoring
9. Implementing technical improvements with ODK as they emerge with cooperation of VFI IT team
10. Monitor loan performance
11. Collect and share lessons learned with wider SG implementing MFIs
12. Be active part of the FAST group, led by the VFI director for SG linkage, including participating in quarterly update meetings and bilateral, biweekly progress update meetings
13. Ensure proper reporting of FAST loans in core banking system and Banking
14. Oversight of other financial products (where available, depending on MFIs) such as insurance and savings for saving groups.
15. Support branches in build a pipeline of potential savings groups.
16. Support MFI management in relations with WV in putting forward case for accessing WV savings group (including funding).
17. Coordinate and support impact surveys as needed.

Fundraising and Implementation Responsibilities

Often, the SG activities are funded by external donors, and the PM role might be covered by such projects. Therefore, the responsibilities of the SG PM include

1. Implementation: responsible for timely submission of ongoing grant reports, usually quarterly to existing donors.
2. Implementation: responsible for quality content of ongoing quarterly external reports, and ongoing monthly internal progress reports
3. Fundraising updates for the board.
4. VFI fundraising reporting: quarterly reports to VFI fundraising
5. Implementation: monitoring of implemented activities according to budget and activity plan
6. Liaise with communications and other departments in the MFI and with WV national office to improve fund raising work.
7. Organize visits (virtual and Physical) fundraising trips.

Support from VisionFund International

1. VFI will work to develop the capacity of the SG manager and certify them as an FAST manager
2. Dotted line reporting to the VFI SG director, including providing data for monthly global reports
3. Involvement in final hiring of the SGM
4. Regular one on one support from VFI staff
5. Opportunity to become part of the FAST learnings from other countries to improve best practice

Minimum qualification requirements and competencies:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Banking & Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related field
2. At least 3 years of management experience in similar/comparable/management position where he/she provided strategic direction and execution capacity for savings mobilization.
3. Must be familiar with market research, product development, and digital financial services.
4. Must have a good knowledge of the complex linkages between new products/services and IT.
5. The successful candidate must have excellent organizational and communications skills.
6. Must have the capacity to work both in a team and self-directed; able to perform and deliver results under pressure